Activist investing firm Elliott Management has taken a significant stake in Starbucks and is pushing for strategic changes. Howard Schultz, the former CEO and three-time leader of Starbucks, has expressed opposition to a potential settlement with Elliott. Schultz has made his opposition clear to some board members, with sources indicating that Elliott's demands include board representation. The situation, reported as an FT scoop, is adding to the pressures faced by Starbucks as it seeks to unlock shareholder value amidst activist pressure.